Wireless-Enabled Tension Meter

ABSTRACT

A wireless-enabled tension meter is disclosed. The wireless-enabled tension meter can include a pulley arrangement through which a portion of a guiding member is routed for use during a pull of conductor through a conduit network. A tension force is exerted on the guiding member during the pull as the guiding member is pulled through the pulley arrangement. The wireless-enabled tension meter can also include a sensor for measuring the tension force, a wireless network interface, and a control module for performing operations. The operations performed by the control module can include capturing data corresponding to the tension force and causing the wireless network interface to send the data to a wireless communication device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/482,033, filed Sep. 10, 2014, entitled“Wireless-Enabled Tension Meter,” now allowed, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/875,926 filed on Sep.10, 2013, entitled “Wireless-Enabled Tension Meter,” which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatuses forpulling conductors through conduit installations. More particularly, thepresent disclosure is directed to a wireless-enabled tension meter formeasuring tension exerted by a puller system on a guiding member, suchas a cable, rope, or wire, used to pull conductors through conduitinstallations.

During construction of houses, apartment buildings, warehouses,manufacturing facilities, office buildings, and the like, conduit isoften run between electrical panels and power consumption sites tocomply with various building codes and/or for safety or energyefficiency considerations. After the conduit is installed, a guidingmember, such as a cable, rope, wire, or other flexible material, isthreaded through the conduit and attached to the end of a number ofconductors with tape or other attachment mechanisms. The guiding memberis then pulled back through the conduit with the conductors attachedthereto. In some practices, the guiding member is manually pulledthrough the conduit, but in an effort to expedite the process or forlarger installations that are infeasible using manpower alone, a pullersystem (“puller”) is often used to pull the guiding member and thereforethe conductor through the conduit to a desired location. In addition tothe puller, a feeder system (“feeder”) is often used to feed theconductors into the conduit to prevent tangling, snagging, and/or damageto the conductors. The feeder may be provided by one or more people orautomated by a machine

The force exerted on the guiding member during a pull is referred to astension or tension force. It is possible for the magnitude of thetension force to exceed a threshold at which the guiding member breaks,which may result in the conductors being stranded within the conduitinstallation, and thereby complicating the completion of the pull.Furthermore, pulling conductors and guiding members through conduitcreates friction that can wear the conduit, the conductors, and/or theguiding members. The severity of the wear depends upon several factorssuch as the frictional characteristics of the conductors and guidingmembers (e.g., lubricated or dry), the layout of the conduit (e.g., thenumber of bends and the sharpness/radius of the bends), and the speedwith which the guiding member and the conductors are pulled through theconduit. Friction, in addition to potentially causing tears or otherdamage to the conductors and/or the guiding member, results in increasedtension on the guiding member, which may result in failure. Failure canbe prevented, however, by measuring tension of the guiding member with arunning line tension meter and controlling the power to the puller basedon the tension measurement.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosuremade herein is presented.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a wireless-enabled tension meter.According to various embodiments of the concepts and technologiesdescribed herein, a wireless-enabled tension meter can include a pulleyarrangement through which a portion of a linear element is routed. Atension force is exerted on the linear element as the linear elementtraverses through the pulley arrangement. The wireless-enabled tensionmeter can also include a sensor for measuring the tension force, awireless network interface, and a control module for performingoperations. The operations performed by the control module can includecapturing data corresponding to the tension force and causing thewireless network interface to send the data to a wireless communicationdevice.

In some embodiments, the linear element includes a guiding member foruse during a pull of conductor through a conduit network. The tensionforce, in these embodiments, is exerted on the guiding member during thepull as the guiding member traverses the pulley arrangement.

In some embodiments, the device includes a wireless communication devicesuch as a smartphone or tablet. In some other embodiments, the deviceincludes a tension meter remote device.

In some embodiments, the sensor of the wireless-enabled tension metercan include a load pin that functions as an axis for a pulley of thepulley arrangement. The load pin can facilitate measurement of a radialforce exerted on the pulley by the guiding member during the pull as theguiding member is pulled through the pulley. The radial force can beutilized to calculate the tension force.

In some embodiments, the wireless network interface of thewireless-enabled tension meter is configured to broadcast a wirelesssignal that is detectable by the wireless communication device. Thewireless signal can include a service set identification (“SSID”) uniqueto the wireless-enabled tension meter. The wireless signal can be aWI-FI signal that is utilized to create a peer-to-peer connectionbetween the wireless network interface and the wireless communicationdevice. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the wireless signalcan be a short-range wireless signal in accordance with a short-rangewireless technology, such as, for example, infrared, Infrared DataAssociation (“IrDA”), BLUETOOTH, wireless Universal Serial Bus (“USB”),Z-Wave, ZIGBEE, near-field communications (“NFC”), or some othershort-range wireless technology.

In some embodiments, the control module performs further operationsincluding causing the wireless network interface to connect to awireless network, which may be a wireless wide area network (“WWAN”), awireless local area network (“WLAN”), and/or a wireless personal areanetwork component (“WPAN”), for example. The control module can causethe wireless network interface to send the data to the wirelesscommunication device via the wireless network.

In some embodiments, the control module performs further operationsincluding hosting a web application. The web application can include auser interface through which commands can be provided to thewireless-enabled tension meter. The further operations can also includeproviding the web application to the wireless communication device viathe wireless network interface, and receiving a command from thewireless communication device via the wireless network interface. Thecommand can be a command selected command presented on the wirelesscommunication device via the user interface. The command can be arequest to measure the tension force, a length of the pull, a positionof the conductor in the conduit network, and/or a speed of the pull.

According to another aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosedherein, a wireless communication device is disclosed. The wirelesscommunication device can include a display, a network connectivitycomponent, a processor, and a memory component. The memory component canstore instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to perform operations. The operations can include causing thenetwork connectivity component to connect to a wireless-enabled tensionmeter via a wireless network, receiving data from the wireless-enabledtension meter via the wireless network, and presenting the data on thedisplay.

In some embodiments, the data includes tension data associated with atension force measured by the wireless-enabled tension meter during apull of conductor through a conduit network. The data may be received bythe wireless communication device during the pull in real-time, duringthe pull with some delay, or after the pull. In some embodiments, thedata also includes a length of the pull, a position of the conductor inthe conduit network, and/or a speed of the pull.

In some embodiments, the operations performed by the processor can alsoinclude presenting a user interface on the display, receiving aselection of a command via the display, and sending the command to thewireless-enabled tension meter. The data may be received by the wirelesscommunication device in response to the command being sent to thewireless-enabled tension meter.

In some embodiments, the operations performed by the processor can alsoinclude creating a visual representation of the data and presenting thevisual representation of the data on the display. The visualrepresentation may include a chart, a graph, and/or a representation ofa conduit network through which a conductor is being pulled. In someother embodiments, the operations performed by the processor can alsoinclude creating a report of the data and exporting the report.

In some embodiments, the user interface is associated with a nativeapplication executed by the processor. In some other embodiments, theuser interface is associated with a web application hosted by thewireless-enabled tension meter.

The data may be presented on the display in various formats, such as,for example, text-based formats and visual representation formats (e.g.,graphs or charts). In some embodiments, the data is presented on thedisplay in a first format when the wireless communication device ispositioned in a first orientation and in a second format when thewireless communication device is positioned in a second orientation. Thefirst orientation may be a landscape orientation and the secondorientation may be a portrait orientation.

According to another aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosedherein, a system includes a wireless-enabled tension meter, a wirelesscommunication device in communication with the wireless-enabled tensionmeter via a wireless network, a puller system, and a guiding memberrouted through the wireless-enabled tension meter. The puller system canpull the guiding member through the wireless-enabled tension meterthereby exerting a tension force on the guiding member. Thewireless-enabled tension meter can measure the tension force exerted onthe guiding member by the puller system during a pull and send thetension force to the wireless communication device via the wirelessnetwork for presentation on the wireless communication device.

The wireless-enabled tension meter can be suspended on the guide member.Alternatively, the wireless-enabled tension meter can be attached to thepuller system. The wireless-enabled tension can be attached to otherobjects or the ground in some other embodiments.

The wireless-enabled tension meter can measure additional dataassociated with the pull and send the additional data to the wirelesscommunication device. The additional data can include a length of thepull, a position of a conductor in a conduit network, and/or a speed ofthe pull.

According to another aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosedherein, a computer storage medium can store computer-executableinstructions which, when executed by a processor of a wireless-enabledtension meter, cause the wireless-enabled tension meter to performoperations. The operations can include capturing data from a sensor. Thedata can correspond to a tension force exerted by a puller system on aguiding member during a pull of conductor through a conduit network. Theoperations can also include sending the data to a wireless communicationdevice via a wireless network.

In some embodiments, the operations can also include hosting a webapplication that is accessible by the wireless communication device viathe wireless network. The web application can provide a user interfacethrough which a user can control functions of the wireless-enabledtension meter. The functions can include, for example, requesting thewireless-enabled tension meter to capture the data or manipulating datareceived from the wireless-enabled tension meter. The data can alsoinclude a length of the pull, a position of the conductor in the conduitnetwork, and/or a speed of the pull. In addition to or as an alternativeto hosting the web application, the wireless-enabled tension meter canrely on a native application executing on the wireless communicationdevice to present the data. In these embodiments, the operation forsending the data to the wireless communication device can includesending the data to the native application executing on the wirelesscommunication device.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matteris not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantagesnoted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are block diagrams illustrating operating environments for awireless-enabled tension meter, according to several illustrativeembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a guiding member routedthrough a wireless-enabled tension meter, according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless-enabled tension meterand components thereof, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication deviceand components thereof, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation for awireless-enabled tension meter to provide data associated with a pull toa wireless communication device, according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation for awireless communication device to receive and process data associatedwith a pull, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a user interface diagram illustrating aspects of a userinterface for a tension meter application, according to an illustrativeembodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8D show example data output, according to illustrativeembodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9E are plan drawings illustrating various views of awireless-enabled tension meter, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan drawings illustrating a wireless-enabled tension metermounted to a puller system, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D are plan drawings illustrating various view of anotherwireless-enabled tension meter, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12B are plan drawings illustrating a wireless tension meterremote device, according to an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to systems, methods andapparatuses for measuring tension. According to some implementations,tension exerted by a puller system on a guiding member, such as a cable,rope, or wire used to pull conductors through conduit installations ismeasured using a tension meter. Although the systems, methods, andapparatuses are sometimes described in the aforementioned context, itshould be understood that the systems, methods, and apparatusesdescribed herein may additionally or alternatively be used in othercontexts in which tension can be measured. For example, the systems,methods, and apparatuses described herein may be used to measure tensionexerted on a cable, rope, wire, line, or other linear element used inthe operation of a crane or other machinery. As such, the particularimplementations described herein should not be construed as beinglimiting in any way. This description provides various components, oneor more of which may be included in particular implementations of thesystems and apparatuses disclosed herein. In illustrating and describingthese various components, however, it is noted that implementations ofthe embodiments disclosed herein may include any combination of thesecomponents, including combinations other than those shown in thisdescription.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, an operating environment 100 for awireless-enabled tension meter 102 will be described in detail inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. In the illustrated operatingenvironment 100, a reel 104 of conductor wire 106 (“conductor” 106),cable, rope, wire, line, or any other linear element is taped, glued,bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to a guiding member 108, such asa cable, rope, or wire, and fed into a feeder system 110. The feedersystem 110 feeds the guiding member 108 attached to the conductor 106through a conduit network 112. The guiding member 108 is also attachedto a puller system 114. The puller system 114 pulls the guiding member108 attached to the conductor 106 through the conduit network 112. Thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 is positioned on the puller system114 side of the conduit network 112 to measure a tension force exertedby the puller system 114 on the guiding member 108 during a pull of theguiding member 108 through the conduit network 112. In some embodiments,the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 measures additional metricsassociated with a pull, including, but not limited to, an elapsed timeof the pull, a length of the pull, a speed of the pull, and/or aposition of the conductor 106 in the conduit network 112. These andother aspects of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 will bedescribed below in greater detail.

A “pull” as used herein refers to an operation during which a cable,rope, wire, line, or any other linear element is pulled, manually or viaa machine (e.g., the puller system 114). It should be understood that a“pull” may refer more particularly to an operation during which a cable,rope, wire, line, or any other linear element is pulled through astructure such as a conduit.

The feeder system 110 may be any commercially available or proprietaryfeeder system or otherwise referred to in the art as a “pusher” or“pusher system.” The feeder system 110 may be formed from any suitablematerial, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, carboncomposite, plastic, or other materials. The feeder system 110 mayinclude hardware components, and in some implementations, may includesoftware and/or firmware components that are utilized, at least in part,to control one or more functions of the feeder system 110. In someembodiments, the feeder system 110 hardware may include, but is notlimited to, one or more rollers, one or more drives, one or more guides,one or more pulleys, one or more dividers, one or more height and/ortension adjustment mechanisms, one or more supports, one or more guidingdevices, one or more gears, one or more engines, one or more electricmotors, one or more cranks, one or more chains, ropes, cables, cords,lines, strings, or the like, and/or other hardware. The software of thefeeder system 110, in some embodiments, may include, but is not limitedto, applications, routines, subroutines, programs, computer-readableinstructions, computer-executable instructions, and the like, forcontrolling various functions of the feeder system 110 and/or one ormore individual hardware components thereof.

The conduit network 112 may include one or more conduits. Each of theconduits may include, but is not limited to, a pipe, a tube, or anyother structure containing one or more ducts through which one or moreconductors, such as the conductor 106, and/or one or more guidingmembers, such as the guiding member 108, can be pulled. Each of theconduits may be formed from any suitable material, including, but notlimited to, plastic, metal, fiber, clay, or the like. Furthermore, eachof the conduits may be flexible or rigid. The conduit network 112 mayinclude a combination of conduits that are formed from differentmaterials and/or with different specifications regarding flexibility andrigidity. The conduit network 112 may be any length and may contain anynumber of bends, turns, or other layout characteristics. The bends mayhave known radii. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the vastnumber of possible configurations of conduit to form a conduit network,and as such, the examples provided herein in this regard should not beconstrued as being limiting in any way.

The puller system 114 may be any commercially available or proprietarypuller system or otherwise referred to in the art as a “puller.” Thepuller system 114 may be formed from any suitable material, including,but not limited to, steel, aluminum, carbon composite, or othermaterials. The puller system 114 may include hardware components, and insome implementations, may include software and/or firmware componentsthat are utilized, at least in part, to control one or more functions ofthe puller system 114. In some embodiments, the puller system 114hardware may include, but is not limited to, one or more rollers, one ormore drives, one or more guides, one or more pulleys, one or moredividers, one or more height and/or tension adjustment mechanisms, oneor more supports, one or more guiding devices, one or more gears, one ormore engines, one or more electric motors, one or more cranks, one ormore chains, ropes, cables, cords, lines, strings, or the like, and/orother hardware. The software of the puller system 114, in someembodiments, may include, but is not limited to, applications, routines,subroutines, programs, computer-readable instructions,computer-executable instructions, and the like, for controlling variousfunctions of the puller system 114 and/or one or more individualhardware components thereof.

Although the pullers system 114 is shown in the illustrated embodiment,any other system, device, and/or machine that exerts a tension on acable, rope, wire, line, or any other linear element may be used, andthe wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may be used to measure thetension exerted by the other system, device, and/or machine. As such,the illustrated embodiment should not be construed as being limiting inany way.

In some embodiments, the feeder system 110 and/or the puller system 114are in communication with each other via any wired or wirelesscommunication interface (not shown). The communication interface can beutilized by the feeder system 110 to notify the puller system 114 of afailure or temporary issue with regard to the feeder system 110 so thatthe puller system 114 can stop a pull to prevent damage to the conductor106, the guiding member 108, and/or any portion of the conduit network112. Similarly, the communication interface can be utilized by thepuller system 114 to notify the feeder system 110 of a failure ortemporary issue with regard to the puller system 110 so that the feedersystem 110 can stop feeding the conductor 106 and the guiding member 108into the conduit network 112. A notification from the feeder system 110to the puller system 114 or from the puller system 114 to the feedersystem 110 may be triggered manually by an individual operating thefeeder system 110 or the puller system 114 using a trigger mechanismsuch as a foot pad, or may be triggered based upon predefined thresholdparameters programmed into the software and/or firmware components ofthe feeder system 110 and/or the puller system 114.

The wireless-enabled tension meter 102 measures the tension forceexerted by the puller system 114 on the guiding member 108 during a pullof the guiding member 108 through the conduit network 112. Thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 may measure additional metricsassociated with a pull, including, but not limited to, an elapsed timeof the pull, a length of the pull, a speed of the pull, and/or aposition of the conductor 106 in the conduit network 112. Themeasurements conducted by the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may besent to a wireless communication device 116 over a wireless network 118via a wireless network interface 120. The measurements may be used as-isand/or may be utilized in one or more calculations. For example, thetension force measured by the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may beused to calculate a sidewall pressure of the conductor 106 during apull, to provide a minimum sidewall pressure of the conductor 106 duringthe pull, to provide a maximum sidewall pressure of the conductor 106during the pull, or some combination thereof. Various components of thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment are illustrated in FIG. 3, which is described below indetail.

The wireless network interface 120, in some embodiments, is built-in tothe wireless-enabled tension meter 102. In some other embodiments, thewireless network interface 120 is removably connected to thewireless-enabled tension meter 102. The wireless network interface 120may be or may include a wireless wide area network component (“WWANcomponent”), a wireless local area network component (“WLAN component”),and/or a wireless personal area network component (“WPAN component”)used to facilitate communications to and from the wireless network 118,which may be a WWAN, a WLAN, or a WPAN. Although a single wirelessnetwork 118 is illustrated, the wireless network interface 120 mayfacilitate simultaneous communications with multiple networks. Forexample, the wireless network interface 120 may facilitate simultaneouscommunications with multiple networks via one or more of a WWAN, a WLAN,or a WPAN.

The wireless network 118 may be a WWAN, such as a mobiletelecommunications network utilizing one or more mobiletelecommunications technologies to provide data services to thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 and the wireless communication device116. In this manner, the wireless network 118 may be broadly construedas including WWANs provided by multiple mobile telecommunicationsnetwork providers or otherwise known in the art as “wireless carriers.”The mobile telecommunications technologies utilized by the wirelessnetwork 118 in these embodiments may include, but are not limited to,Global System for Mobile communications (“GSM”), Code Division MultipleAccess (“CDMA”) ONE, CDMA2000, Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (“UMTS”), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), and WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (“WiMAX”). Moreover, the wirelessnetwork 118 in these embodiments may utilize various channel accessmethods (which may or may not be used by the aforementioned standards)including, but not limited to, Time Division Multiple Access (“TDMA”),Frequency Division Multiple Access (“FDMA”), CDMA, wideband CDMA(“W-CDMA”), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (“OFDM”), SpaceDivision Multiple Access (“SDMA”), and the like. Data communications maybe provided using General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”), Enhanced Datarates for Global Evolution (“EDGE”), the High-Speed Packet Access(“HSPA”) protocol family including High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(“HSDPA”), Enhanced Uplink (“EUL”) or otherwise termed High-Speed UplinkPacket Access (“HSUPA”), Evolved HSPA (“HSPA+”), LTE, and various othercurrent and future wireless data access standards. The wireless network118 may provide voice and data communications with any combination ofthe above technologies. The wireless network 118 may be configured to oradapted to provide voice and/or data communications in accordance withfuture generation technologies.

In some embodiments, the wireless network interface 120 is configured toprovide dual-mode or multi-mode connectivity to the wireless network118. For example, the wireless network interface 120 may provideconnectivity to the wireless network 118, wherein the wireless network118 provides service via GSM and UMTS technologies, or via some othercombination of technologies. Alternatively, the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102 may include the wireless network interface 120 in addition toat least one further wireless network interface to perform suchfunctionality, and/or provide additional functionality to support othernon-compatible technologies (i.e., incapable of being supported by asingle wireless network interface). The wireless network interface 118may facilitate similar connectivity to multiple networks (e.g., a UMTSnetwork and an LTE network).

The wireless network 118 may be a WLAN operating in accordance with oneor more Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (“IEEE”) 802.11standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac,802.11ad, and/or future 802.11 standard (referred to herein collectivelyas “WI-FI”). Draft 802.11 standards are also contemplated. In someembodiments, the wireless network 118 is implemented utilizing one ormore wireless WI-FI access points. In some embodiments, thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 functions as a WI-FI access point. Inthese embodiments, the wireless network 118 may be a peer-to-peer(“P2P”) network between the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 and thewireless communication device 116. The wireless network 118 may bead-hoc. Connections from the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 to thewireless network 118 and/or connections from the wireless communicationdevice 116 to the wireless network 118 may be secured via variousencryption technologies including, but not limited to, WI-FI ProtectedAccess (“WPA”), WPA2, Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), and the like.

The wireless network 118 may be a WPAN operating in accordance withinfrared, Infrared Data Association (“IrDA”), BLUETOOTH, wirelessUniversal Serial Bus (“USB”), Z-Wave, ZIGBEE, near-field communications(“NFC”), or some other short-range wireless technology.

The wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may send data collected during apull to the wireless communication device 116 over the wireless network118 via the wireless network interface 120 in accordance with any of theembodiments described herein above. Moreover, although certainembodiments described above have highlighted certain wirelesscommunication technologies, these embodiments should be construed asbeing merely illustrative of the possible implementations of wirelesscommunication between the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 and thewireless communication device 116, and as such, should not be construedas being limiting in any way.

The data collected by the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may be sentto the wireless communication device 116 during a pull or, as alsoreferred to herein, as in “real-time.” It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that the use of “real-time” herein includes theprocessing of data within milliseconds so that the data is madeavailable virtually immediately after the data is collected. Moreover,the transmission time of data sent by the wireless-enabled tension meter102 to the wireless communication device 116 over the wireless network118 may introduce delay. Even including such delays the data sent by thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 to the wireless communication device116 in some embodiments is considered to be collected in real-time,although delays on the order of seconds or minutes may be considerednon-real-time. In some alternative embodiments, data is collected by thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 and sent to the wirelesscommunication device 116 over the wireless network 118 after a pull.

The guiding member 108 is threaded through the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102 and connected to the puller system 114. An example of theguiding member 108 threaded through the wireless-enabled tension meter102 is illustrated in FIG. 2, which is described below in detail. Insome embodiments, the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 is designed tobe suspended on the guiding member 108. In some other embodiments, thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 is tied to or otherwise attached toan object or a plurality of objects, the ground, or the puller system114. An illustrative embodiment of the wireless-enabled tension meter102 attached to the puller system 114 is illustrated in FIG. 10, whichis described below in detail.

The wireless communication device 116 may be a mobile telephone, smartphone, tablet device, slate device, portable video game device, desktopcomputer, portable computer (e.g., laptop, notebook, ultra-portable,netbook, or the like), server computer, or other computing devicecapable of wireless communication with the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102 over the wireless network 118. Various components of thewireless communication device 116 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment are illustrated in FIG. 4, which is described below indetail.

The wireless communication device 116 can execute an operating system122 and one or more application programs such as, for example, a webbrowser 124 and a tension meter application 126. The operating system122 is a computer program for controlling the operation of the wirelesscommunication device 116. The application programs are executableprograms configured to execute on top of the operating system 122 toprovide various functions.

The web browser 124 is an application program through which a user canaccess information resources on the World Wide Web (“Web”) via one ormore networks, including, for example, the wireless network 118 and/orone or more other networks (not shown). The web browser 124 can alsofacilitate access to information resources residing on the wirelesscommunication device 116. The web browser 124 can also facilitate accessto information resources residing on the wireless-enabled tension meter102. In some embodiments, the web browser 124 facilitates access toinformation resources residing on the wireless-enabled tension meter 102via an Internet protocol (“IP”) address assigned to the wireless-enabledtension meter 102. The IP address may be translated into a domain name,such as, for example, www.mytensionmeter.com, or other domain name thatmay be easily memorized by users. A user may access the wireless-enabledtension meter 102 via the web browser 124 by entering the domain name orIP address associated with the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 intoan address bar, search bar, or other user interface element of the webbrowser 124 that accepts domain names and IP addresses.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102 functions as a WI-FI access point. In these embodiments, thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 may broadcast a service setidentifier (“SSID”), and the wireless communication device 116 maydetect the SSID of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102, and inresponse, present a notification to a user of the wireless communicationdevice 116 to notify the user that the wireless-enabled tension meter102 is within connection range. In some embodiments, the user maynavigate through a user interface provided by the operating system 122to a menu of available SSIDs. The menu of available SSIDs may include,for example, any visible available WI-FI networks and/or WI-FI accesspoints that are within range of the wireless communication device 116.Additionally or alternatively, one or more invisible SSIDs may beavailable, but for one reason or another (e.g., security) the SSID isnot broadcasted. The operating system 122 may provide an SSID entry boxto receive input of an SSID that is known to a user but invisible in themenu of available SSIDs. In this manner, the SSID of thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 may be invisible to others who arenot privy to utilize the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. Afterentering the SSID or selecting the SSID associated with thewireless-enabled tension meter 102, the web browser 124 may be launchedto a web application associated with the wireless-enabled tension meter102. The web application may be hosted on the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102, such as being built-in to one or more software and/orfirmware components of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102.

As also mentioned above, the wireless network 118 may include a WLAN. Assuch, the wireless network 118 may be associated with an SSID that canbe utilized by the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 and the wirelesscommunication device 116 to connect to the wireless network 118 so thatthe wireless-enabled tension meter 102 can send data to and/or receiveinput from the wireless communication device 116.

The web browser 124 generally allows the wireless communication device116 to access web applications associated with the wireless-enabledtension meter 102. In addition to or as an alternative to a webapplication implementation, interaction between the wirelesscommunication device 116 and the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 canbe controlled via the tension meter application 126, which can be anative application installed on the wireless communication device 116.Additional details regarding the tension meter application 126 and theweb application are described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 7and 8A-8D.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, an alternative operating environment 128 for thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 will be described in detail inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The alternative operatingenvironment 100 includes all of the elements described above withreference to the operating environment 100 shown in FIG. 1A except forthe wireless communication device 116 and the components thereof. Thealternative operating environment 100 also includes a tension meterremote device 130. The tension meter remote device 130 may be used tocontrol the operation of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102,received data from the wireless-enabled tension meter 102, send data tothe wireless-enabled tension meter 102, and/or perform other operationssuch as those described herein above with regard to the wirelesscommunication device 116 illustrated and described with reference toFIG. 1. The tension remote device 130, however, may be provided as partof a system that includes the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 and maybe dedicated to the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 or multiplewireless-enabled tension meters 102 (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the tension meter remote device 130 isconfigured to communicate with the wireless-enabled tension meter 102via the wireless network 118. The tension meter remote device 130, insome embodiments, functions as a WI-FI access point. In theseembodiments, the tension meter remote device 130 may broadcast an SSID,and the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may detect the SSID of thetension meter remote device 130 and connect to the wireless network 118provided by the tension meter remote device 130.

Turning now to FIG. 1C, another alternative operating environment 132for the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 will be described in detailin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The other alternativeoperating environment 132 includes all of the elements described abovewith reference to the operating environment 100 shown in FIG. 1A exceptfor the wireless communication device 116, the components thereof, thewireless network 118, and the wireless network interface 120. The otheralternative operating environment 130 also includes the tension meterremote device 130 introduced in FIG. 1B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tension meter remote device 130 istethered to the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 via a tether 134. Thetether 134, in some embodiments, is used solely to prevent the tensionmeter remote device 130 from being misplaced from the wireless-enabledtension meter 102. In some embodiments, the tether 134 facilitates wiredcommunications between the tension meter remote device 130 and thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 absent the wireless network 118. Insome embodiments, the tether 134 facilitates wired communicationsbetween the tension meter remote device 130 and the wireless-enabledtension meter 102 in addition to wireless connectivity facilitated bythe wireless network 118, such as in a backup or redundancyconfiguration. The tether 134, in some embodiments, facilitates powertransfer from the tension meter remote device 130 to thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 or vice versa so as to at leastpartially provide the power required to operate the tension meter remotedevice 130 and/or the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. In someembodiments, the tether 134 facilitates both power and communications.It should be understood that although the wireless-enabled tension meter102 is shown with wireless connectivity such as described above, othertension meters without wireless connectivity may be tethered to thetension meter remote device 130.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an illustrative embodiment of a portion of theguiding member 108 routed through the wireless-enabled tension meter 102as generally shown at reference number 200 will be described. Theillustrated wireless-enabled tension meter 102 includes a first pulley202A, a second pulley 202B, and a third pulley 202C (collectively orgenerally referred to herein as “pulleys 202”). Although three pulleys202 are illustrated, the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may havemore or less than three pulleys 202. Although the pulleys 202 are shownin a fixed configuration, it is contemplated that the pulleys 202 may beadjustable in one or more dimensions, and as such, the illustratedembodiment should not be construed as being limiting in any way.Furthermore, the exact configuration of the pulleys 202 is shown merelyas an example, and also should not be construed as being limiting in anyway.

As shown, a portion of the guiding member 108 is routed above the firstpulley 202A, between the first pulley 202A and the second pulley 202B,under the second pulley 202B, between the second pulley 202B and thethird pulley 202C, and over the third pulley 202C. The guiding member108 routed in this manner results in line tension being exerted on theguiding member 108 as shown generally as line tension 204. The linetension 204 creates a radial force on the second pulley 202B that isapproximately equal to twice the line tension 204. A sensor 206facilitates measurement of the radial force and corresponding linetension (i.e., the line tension 204). The sensor 206, in someembodiments is a load pin that function as the axis for the secondpulley 202B. In some other embodiments, the sensor 206 is a load cell.Other sensor types are contemplated.

In addition to the sensor 206, one or more sensors may be used tomeasure pulled line length of the guiding member 108 and/or line speedof the guiding member 108 as the guiding member 108 is pulled throughthe wireless-enabled tension meter 102, for example, by the pullersystem 114 shown in FIG. 1 and described above in detail. Alternatively,the sensor(s) may collect data that is used to calculate the pulled linelength of the guiding member 108 and/or line speed of the guiding member108.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a block diagram schematically illustrating thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 and components thereof, according toan illustrative embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 includes one or more hardwarecomponents 300 (“hardware”), one or more software components 302(“software”), one or more network interfaces 304, one or more sensors306, and one or more control modules 308. The hardware 300 can includehardware components of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. Thehardware 300 can include, but is not limited to, one or more rollers,one or more drives, one or more guides, one or more pulleys, one or moredividers, one or more height and/or tension adjustment mechanisms, oneor more supports, one or more guiding devices, one or more gears, one ormore engines, one or more electric motors, one or more cranks, one ormore chains, ropes, cables, cords, lines, strings, or the like, and/orother hardware. The software 302 can include software components of thewireless-enabled tension meter 102. The software 304 can include, but isnot limited to, applications, routines, subroutines, programs,computer-readable instructions, computer-executable instructions, andthe like, for controlling various functions of the wireless-enabledtension meter 102.

The network interface 304 can be operatively linked and in communicationwith one or more communications networks such as, for example, privatenetworks, the Internet, cellular communications networks, wireless areanetworks, an intranet, other networks, the wireless network 118,combinations thereof, and the like. The network interface 304 can be orcan include the wireless network interface 120. The network interface304 can be used to communicate with other devices and/or networks. Itshould be understood that the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 can beconfigured to communicate any desired information to another device viathe network interface 304. In some embodiments, the network interface304 includes a wireless transmitter for communicating with a remotecontrol with which an operator controls the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102, the feeder system 110, the puller system 114, and/or acombination thereof. It should be understood that these embodiments areillustrative, and that the remote control can communicate with thewireless-enabled tension meter 102, the feeder system 110, the pullersystem 114, and/or a combination thereof via hardware other than thenetwork interface 304.

The control module 308 can be used to control the functions of thewireless-enabled tension meter 102. The control module 308 can includeone or more processors 310, which can be operatively linked and incommunication with one or more memory devices 312 via one or moredata/memory busses 318. The processor 310 can executecomputer-executable instructions stored in the memory device 312.Execution of the computer-executable instructions can cause thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 to perform various functions, forexample, the functionality of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102described herein. Although the control module 308 is illustrated as aseparate entity, with respect to the hardware 300 and the software 302,it should be understood that the functions described with respect to thecontrol module 308 can be performed by the hardware 300 and the software302. For example, the hardware 300 can include a memory and a processor,and the software 302 can include applications 314 and other data 316illustrated in the memory device 312. As such, it should be understoodthat the illustrated configuration is illustrative, and is described inthe presented manner for ease of description.

In some embodiments, the tension meter remote device 130 is the controlmodule 308. In some other embodiments, the tension meter remote device130 includes the control module 308. In these embodiments, the controlmodule 308 is external to the wireless-enabled tension meter 102.Further, in these embodiments, the control module 308 may be tethered tothe wireless-enabled tension meter 102 via, for example, the tether 134(shown in FIG. 1C).

The words “memory device” and “storage device,” as used hereincollectively include, but are not limited to, processor registers,processor cache, random access memory (“RAM”), other volatile andnon-volatile memory devices, semi-permanent or permanent memory types;for example, tape-based media, optical media, flash media, hard disks,combinations thereof, and the like. While the memory device 312 isillustrated as residing proximate to the processor 310, it should beunderstood that the memory device 312 may be a remotely accessed storagesystem, for example, a server and/or database on a communicationsnetwork, a remote hard disk drive, a removable storage medium, adatabase, a server, an optical media writer, combinations thereof, orthe like. In the claims, the phrase “computer storage medium” andvariations thereof is intended to encompass devices such as the memorydevice 312 and other memory components disclosed herein and does notinclude waves or signals per se and/or communication media such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism and includes any delivery media.

Moreover, the memory device 312 is intended to encompass network memoryand/or other storage devices in wired or wireless communication with thewireless-enabled tension meter 102, which may utilize the networkinterface 304 to facilitate such communication. Thus, any of the data,applications, and/or software described below can be stored within thememory device 312 and/or accessed via network connections to other dataprocessing systems (not shown) that may include the wireless network118, the feeder system 110, the puller system 114, the wirelesscommunication device 116, and/or other networks, systems, and/ordevices, for example.

The applications 314 can include various programs, routines,subroutines, algorithms, software, tools, and the like (“instructions”),for operating the wireless-enabled tension meter 102; measuring orcalculating various metrics, such as, for example, a pulled line length,a pulled line speed, a pulled line position, and a line tension;calibrating various components of the wireless-enabled tension meter102; tuning one or more components of the wireless-enabled tension meter102; adjusting the speed of the feeder system 110 and/or the pullersystem 114; safety applications and controls of the wireless-enabledtension meter 102; reporting and recording/logging modules of thewireless-enabled tension meter 102; and the like, as well as programs orapplications to make the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 operable toperform any of the functions described herein. The applications 314 alsocan include instructions used to operate the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102 and/or devices connected to the wireless-enabled tension meter102, if any. The instructions can include, for example, operatingsystems, firmware, drivers for peripherals, and the like. The other data316 can include, for example, pull data and statistics, other programsor software, and the like.

While the above description of the wireless-enabled tension meter 102has described various forms of computer executable instructions, forexample, the software 302 and the applications 314, it should beunderstood that the software 302 and/or the applications 314 can beomitted or repurposed in various ways, and that the wireless-enabledtension meter 102 can be controlled, at least in part, by one or morehardware controls. In some embodiments, for example, thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 is controlled by one or moreswitches, levers, or other control devices. These examples areillustrative, and should not be construed as being limiting in any way.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an illustrative architecture 400 for the wirelesscommunication device 116 will be described. In some embodiments, thewireless communication device 116 uses a variation of the architecture400. As such, the illustrated embodiment of the architecture 400 of thewireless communication device 116 should not be construed as beinglimiting in any way. In some embodiments, the tension meter remotedevice 130 may use the architecture 400 or some variation thereof. Thearchitecture 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a processor 402, memorycomponents 404, network connectivity components 406, sensor components408, input/output components 410, and power components 412, each ofwhich will be describe below in detail.

In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 402 is in communicationwith the memory components 404, the network connectivity components 406,the sensor components 408, the input/output (“I/O”) components 410, andthe power components 412. Although no connections are shown between theindividuals components illustrated in FIG. 4, the components caninteract to carry out device functions. In some embodiments, thecomponents are arranged so as to communicate via one or more busses (notshown).

The processor 402 includes a central processing unit (“CPU”) configuredto process data, execute computer-executable instructions of one or moreapplication programs, and communicate with other components of thearchitecture 400 in order to perform various functionality describedherein. The processor 402 may be utilized to execute aspects of thesoftware components presented herein.

In some embodiments, the processor 402 includes a graphics processingunit (“GPU”) configured to accelerate operations performed by the CPU,including, but not limited to, operations performed by executinggeneral-purpose scientific and/or engineering computing applications, aswell as graphics-intensive computing applications such as highresolution video (e.g., 720P, 1080P, and higher resolution), videogames, three-dimensional (“3D”) modeling applications, and the like. Insome embodiments, the processor 402 is configured to communicate with adiscrete GPU (not shown). In any case, the CPU and GPU may be configuredin accordance with a co-processing CPU/GPU computing model, wherein thesequential part of an application executes on the CPU and thecomputationally-intensive part is accelerated by the GPU.

In some embodiments, the processor 402 is or is included in asystem-on-chip (“SoC”) along with one or more of the other componentsdescribed below. For example, the SoC may include the processor 402, aGPU, one or more of the network connectivity components 406, and one ormore of the sensor components 408. In some embodiments, the processor402 is fabricated, at least in part, utilizing a package-on-package(“PoP”) integrated circuit packaging technique. The processor 402 may bea single core or multi-core processor.

The processor 402 may be created in accordance with an ARM architecture,available for license from ARM HOLDINGS of Cambridge, United Kingdom.Alternatively, the processor 402 may be created in accordance with anx86 architecture, such as is available from INTEL CORPORATION ofMountain View, Calif. and others. In some embodiments, the processor 402is a SNAPDRAGON SoC, available from QUALCOMM of San Diego, Calif.; aTEGRA SoC, available from NVIDIA of Santa Clara, Calif.; a HUMMINGBIRDSoC, available from SAMSUNG of Seoul, South Korea; an Open MultimediaApplication Platform (“OMAP”) SoC, available from TEXAS INSTRUMENTS ofDallas, Tex.; a customized version of any of the above SoCs; or aproprietary SoC.

The memory components 404 include a RAM 414, a read-only memory (“ROM”)416, an integrated storage memory (“integrated storage”) 418, and aremovable storage memory (“removable storage”) 420. In some embodiments,the RAM 414 or a portion thereof, the ROM 416 or a portion thereof,and/or some combination the RAM 414 and the ROM 416 is integrated withthe processor 402. In some embodiments, the ROM 416 is configured tostore a firmware, an operating system or a portion thereof (e.g.,operating system kernel), and/or a bootloader to load an operatingsystem kernel from the integrated storage 418 and/or the removablestorage 420.

The integrated storage 418 can include a solid-state memory, a harddisk, or a combination of solid-state memory and a hard disk. Theintegrated storage 418 may be soldered or otherwise connected to a logicboard upon which the processor 402 and other components described hereinalso may be connected. As such, the integrated storage 418 is integratedin the wireless communication device 116. The integrated storage 418 isconfigured to store an operating system or portions thereof, applicationprograms, data, and other software components described herein, such as,but not limited to, the operating system 122, the web browser 124,and/or the tension meter application 126 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The removable storage 420 can include a solid-state memory, a hard disk,or a combination of solid-state memory and a hard disk. In someembodiments, the removable storage 420 is provided in lieu of theintegrated storage 418. In other embodiments, the removable storage 420is provided as additional optional storage. In some embodiments, theremovable storage 420 is logically combined with the integrated storage418 such that the total available storage is made available as a totalcombined storage capacity. In some embodiments, the total combinedcapacity of the integrated storage 418 and the removable storage 420 isshown to a user instead of separate storage capacities for theintegrated storage 418 and the removable storage 420.

The removable storage 420 is configured to be inserted into a removablestorage memory slot (not shown) or other mechanism by which theremovable storage 420 is inserted and secured to facilitate a connectionover which the removable storage 420 can communicate with othercomponents of the wireless communication device 116, such as theprocessor 402. The removable storage 420 may be embodied in variousmemory card formats including, but not limited to, PC card, CompactFlashcard, memory stick, secure digital (“SD”), mini SD, microSD, universalintegrated circuit card (“UICC”) (e.g., a subscriber identity module(“SIM”) or universal SIM (“USIM”)), a proprietary format, or the like.The removable storage 420 is configured to store an operating system orportions thereof, application programs, data, and other softwarecomponents described herein, such as, but not limited to, the operatingsystem 122, the web browser 124, and/or the tension meter application126 illustrated in FIG. 1.

It should be understood that one or more of the memory components 404can store an operating system, such as the operating system 122.According to various embodiments, the operating system 122 includes, butis not limited to, SYMBIAN OS from SYMBIAN LIMITED; WINDOWS mobile OSfrom Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.; WINDOWS phone OS fromMicrosoft Corporation; WINDOWS from Microsoft Corporation; PALM WEBOSfrom Hewlett-Packard Company of Palo Alto, Calif.; BLACKBERRY OS fromResearch In Motion Limited of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; IOS from AppleInc. of Cupertino, Calif.; and ANDROID OS from Google Inc. of MountainView, Calif. Other operating systems are contemplated.

The network connectivity components 406 include a WWAN component 422, aWLAN component 424, and a WPAN component 426. The network connectivitycomponents 406 facilitate communications to and from networks, such asthe wireless network 118 and/or one or more other networks, which may beWWANs, WLANs, WPANs, or some combination thereof. Although only thenetwork 118 is illustrated, the network connectivity components 406 mayfacilitate simultaneous communication with multiple networks. Forexample, the network connectivity components 406 may facilitatesimultaneous communications with multiple networks via one or more of aWWAN, a WLAN, or a WPAN.

In some embodiments, the WWAN component 422 is configured to providedual-mode or multi-mode connectivity to the wireless network 118 and/orone or more other networks. For example, the WWAN component 422 may beconfigured to provide connectivity to the wireless network 118, whereinthe wireless network 118 provides service via GSM and UMTS technologies,or via some other combination of technologies. Alternatively, multipleWWAN components 422 may be utilized to perform such functionality,and/or provide additional functionality to support other non-compatibletechnologies (i.e., incapable of being supported by a single WWANcomponent). The WWAN component 422 may facilitate similar connectivityto multiple networks (e.g., a UMTS network and an LTE network).

The sensor components 408 include a magnetometer 428, an ambient lightsensor 430, a proximity sensor 432, an accelerometer 434, a gyroscope436, and a Global Positioning System sensor (“GPS sensor”) 438. It iscontemplated that other sensors, such as, but not limited to,temperature sensors or shock detection sensors, also may be incorporatedin the architecture 400.

The magnetometer 428 is configured to measure the strength and directionof a magnetic field. In some embodiments the magnetometer 428 providesmeasurements to a compass application program stored within one of thememory components 404 in order to provide a user with accuratedirections in a frame of reference including the cardinal directions,north, south, east, and west. Similar measurements may be provided to anavigation application program that includes a compass component. Otheruses of measurements obtained by the magnetometer 428 are contemplated.

The ambient light sensor 430 is configured to measure ambient light. Insome embodiments, the ambient light sensor 430 provides measurements toan application program stored within one the memory components 404 inorder to automatically adjust the brightness of a display (describedbelow) to compensate for low-light and high-light environments. Otheruses of measurements obtained by the ambient light sensor 430 arecontemplated.

The proximity sensor 432 is configured to detect the presence of anobject or thing in proximity to the wireless communication device 116without direct contact. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 432detects the presence of a user's body (e.g., the user's face) andprovides this information to an application program stored within one ofthe memory components 404 that utilizes the proximity information toenable or disable some functionality of the wireless communicationdevice 116. For example, a telephone application program mayautomatically disable a touchscreen (described below) in response toreceiving the proximity information so that the user's face does notinadvertently end a call or enable/disable other functionality withinthe telephone application program during the call. Other uses ofproximity as detected by the proximity sensor 432 are contemplated.

The accelerometer 434 is configured to measure proper acceleration. Insome embodiments, output from the accelerometer 434 is used by anapplication program as an input mechanism to control some functionalityof the application program. For example, the application program may bea video game in which a character, a portion thereof, or an object ismoved or otherwise manipulated in response to input received via theaccelerometer 434. In some embodiments, output from the accelerometer434 is provided to an application program for use in switching betweenlandscape and portrait modes, calculating coordinate acceleration, ordetecting a fall. Other uses of the accelerometer 434 are contemplated.

The gyroscope 436 is configured to measure and maintain orientation. Insome embodiments, output from the gyroscope 436 is used by anapplication program as an input mechanism to control some functionalityof the application program. For example, the gyroscope 436 can be usedfor accurate recognition of movement within a 3D environment of a videogame application or some other application. In some embodiments, anapplication program utilizes output from the gyroscope 436 and theaccelerometer 434 to enhance control of some functionality of theapplication program. Other uses of the gyroscope 436 are contemplated.

The GPS sensor 438 is configured to receive signals from GPS satellitesfor use in calculating a location. The location calculated by the GPSsensor 438 may be used by any application program that requires orbenefits from location information. For example, the location calculatedby the GPS sensor 438 may be used with a navigation application programto provide directions from the location to a destination or directionsfrom the destination to the location. Moreover, the GPS sensor 438 maybe used to provide location information to an external location-basedservice, such as E911 service. The GPS sensor 438 may obtain locationinformation generated via WI-FI, WIMAX, and/or cellular triangulationtechniques utilizing one or more of the network connectivity components406 to aid the GPS sensor 438 in obtaining a location fix. The GPSsensor 438 may also be used in Assisted GPS (“A-GPS”) systems.

The I/O components 410 include a display 440, a touchscreen 442, a dataI/O interface component (“data I/O”) 444, an audio I/O interfacecomponent (“audio I/O”) 446, a video I/O interface component (“videoI/O”) 448, and a camera 450. In some embodiments, the display 440 andthe touchscreen 442 are combined. In some embodiments, two or more ofthe data I/O component 444, the audio I/O component 446, and the videoI/O component 448 are combined. The I/O components 410 may includediscrete processors configured to support the various interfacesdescribed below, or may include processing functionality built-in to theprocessor 402.

The display 440 is an output device configured to present information ina visual form. In particular, the display 440 may present graphical userinterface (“GUI”) elements, text, images, video, notifications, virtualbuttons, virtual keyboards, messaging data, Internet content, devicestatus, time, date, calendar data, preferences, map information,location information, and any other information that is capable of beingpresented in a visual form. In some embodiments, the display 440 is aliquid crystal display (“LCD”) utilizing any active or passive matrixtechnology and any backlighting technology (if used). In someembodiments, the display 440 is an organic light emitting diode (“OLED”)display. Other display types are contemplated.

The touchscreen 442 is an input device configured to detect the presenceand location of a touch. The touchscreen 442 may be a resistivetouchscreen, a capacitive touchscreen, a surface acoustic wavetouchscreen, an infrared touchscreen, an optical imaging touchscreen, adispersive signal touchscreen, an acoustic pulse recognitiontouchscreen, or may utilize any other touchscreen technology. In someembodiments, the touchscreen 442 is incorporated on top of the display440 as a transparent layer to enable a user to use one or more touchesto interact with objects or other information presented on the display440. In other embodiments, the touchscreen 442 is a touch padincorporated on a surface of the wireless communication device 116 thatdoes not include the display 440. For example, the wirelesscommunication device 116 may have a touchscreen incorporated on top ofthe display 440 and a touch pad on a surface opposite the display 440.

In some embodiments, the touchscreen 442 is a single-touch touchscreen.In other embodiments, the touchscreen 442 is a multi-touch touchscreen.In some embodiments, the touchscreen 442 is configured to detectdiscrete touches, single touch gestures, and/or multi-touch gestures.These are collectively referred to herein as gestures for convenience.Several gestures will now be described. It should be understood thatthese gestures are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scopeof the appended claims. Moreover, the described gestures, additionalgestures, and/or alternative gestures may be implemented in software foruse with the touchscreen 442. As such, a developer may create gesturesthat are specific to a particular application program, such as theoperating system 122, the web browser 124, and/or the tension meterapplication 126 illustrated in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the touchscreen 442 supports a tap gesture in whicha user taps the touchscreen 442 once on an item presented on the display440. The tap gesture may be used for various reasons including, but notlimited to, opening, launching, waking up, or otherwise interacting withan application program or function thereof that is associated with theGUI element that the user taps. In some embodiments, the touchscreen 442supports a double tap gesture in which a user taps the touchscreen 442twice on to perform some function. The double tap gesture may be usedfor various reasons including, but not limited to, zooming in or zoomingout in stages. In some embodiments, the touchscreen 442 supports a tapand hold gesture in which a user taps the touchscreen 442 and maintainscontact for at least a pre-defined time. The tap and hold gesture may beused for various reasons including, but not limited to, opening acontext-specific menu.

In some embodiments, the touchscreen 442 supports a pan gesture in whicha user places a finger on the touchscreen 442 and maintains contact withthe touchscreen 442 while moving the finger on the touchscreen 442. Thepan gesture may be used for various reasons including, but not limitedto, moving through screens, images, or menus at a controlled rate.Multiple finger pan gestures are also contemplated. In some embodiments,the touchscreen 442 supports a flick gesture in which a user swipes afinger in the direction the user wants the screen to move. The flickgesture may be used for various reasons including, but not limited to,scrolling horizontally or vertically through menus or pages. In someembodiments, the touchscreen 442 supports a pinch and stretch gesture inwhich a user makes a pinching motion with two fingers (e.g., thumb andforefinger) on the touchscreen 442 or moves the two fingers apart. Thepinch and stretch gesture may be used for various reasons including, butnot limited to, zooming gradually in or out of a website, map, graph,chart, or picture, for example.

Although the above gestures have been described with reference to theuse one or more fingers for performing the gestures, other appendagessuch as toes or objects such as styluses may be used to interact withthe touchscreen 442. As such, the above gestures should be understood asbeing illustrative, and should not be construed as being limiting in anyway.

The data I/O interface component 444 is configured to facilitate inputof data (e.g., via a keyboard, keypad, or other input device) to thewireless communication device 116 and output of data from the wirelesscommunication device 116. In some embodiments, the data I/O interfacecomponent 444 includes a connector configured to provide wiredconnectivity between the wireless communication device 116 and acomputer system, for example, for synchronization operation purposes.The connector may be a proprietary connector or a standardized connectorsuch as USB, micro-USB, mini-USB, or the like. In some embodiments, theconnector is a dock connector for docking the wireless communicationdevice 116 with another device such as a docking station, audio device(e.g., a digital music player), or video device.

The audio I/O interface component 446 is configured to provide audioinput and/or output capabilities to the wireless communication device116. In some embodiments, the audio I/O interface component 444 includesa microphone configured to collect audio signals. In some embodiments,the audio I/O interface component 444 includes a headphone jackconfigured to provide connectivity for headphones or other externalspeakers. In some embodiments, the audio I/O interface component 446includes a speaker for the output of audio signals. In some embodiments,the audio I/O interface component 444 includes an optical audio cableout.

The video I/O interface component 448 is configured to provide videoinput and/or output capabilities to the wireless communication device116. In some embodiments, the video I/O interface component 448 includesa video connector configured to receive video as input from anotherdevice (e.g., a video media player such as a DVD or BLURAY player) orsend video as output to another device (e.g., a monitor, a television,or some other external display). In some embodiments, the video I/Ointerface component 448 includes a High-Definition Multimedia Interface(“HDMI”), mini-HDMI, micro-HDMI, DisplayPort, or proprietary connectorto input/output video content. In some embodiments, the video I/Ointerface component 448 or portions thereof is combined with the audioI/O interface component 446 or portions thereof.

The camera 450 can be configured to capture still images and/or video.The camera 450 may utilize a charge coupled device (“CCD”) or acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) image sensor to captureimages. In some embodiments, the camera 450 includes a flash to aid intaking pictures in low-light environments. Settings for the camera 450may be implemented as hardware or software buttons.

Although not illustrated, one or more hardware buttons may also beincluded in the architecture 400. The hardware buttons may be used forcontrolling some operational aspect of the wireless communication device116 such as powering on/off or resetting the wireless communicationdevice 116. The hardware buttons may be dedicated buttons or multi-usebuttons. The hardware buttons may be mechanical or sensor-based.

The illustrated power components 412 include one or more batteries 452,which can be connected to a battery gauge 454. The batteries 452 may berechargeable or disposable. Rechargeable battery types include, but arenot limited to, lithium polymer, lithium ion, nickel cadmium, and nickelmetal hydride. Each of the batteries 452 may be made of one or morecells.

The battery gauge 454 can be configured to measure battery parameterssuch as current, voltage, and temperature. In some embodiments, thebattery gauge 454 is configured to measure the effect of a battery'sdischarge rate, temperature, age and other factors to predict remaininglife within a certain percentage of error. In some embodiments, thebattery gauge 454 provides measurements to an application program thatis configured to utilize the measurements to present useful powermanagement data to a user. Power management data may include one or moreof a percentage of battery used, a percentage of battery remaining, abattery condition, a remaining time, a remaining capacity (e.g., in watthours), a current draw, and a voltage.

The power components 412 may also include a power connector, which maybe combined with one or more of the aforementioned I/O components 410.The power components 412 may interface with an external power system orcharging equipment via a power I/O component 442.

Turning now to FIG. 5, aspects of a method 500 of operation for thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 to provide data associated with apull to the wireless communication device 116 will be described,according to an illustrative embodiment. It should be understood thatthe operations of the methods disclosed herein are not necessarilypresented in any particular order and that performance of some or all ofthe operations in an alternative order(s) is possible and iscontemplated. The operations have been presented in the demonstratedorder for ease of description and illustration. Operations may be added,omitted, and/or performed simultaneously, without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

It also should be understood that the illustrated methods can be endedat any time and need not be performed in their respective entireties.Some or all operations of the methods, and/or substantially equivalentoperations, can be performed by execution of computer-executableinstructions included on a computer storage medium, as defined herein.The term “computer-executable instructions,” and variants thereof, asused in the description and claims, is used expansively herein toinclude routines, applications, application modules, program modules,programs, components, data structures, algorithms, and the like.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the logical operations describedherein are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer-implemented acts orprogram modules running on a computing system and/or (2) asinterconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within thecomputing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent onthe performance and other requirements of the computing system.Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred tovariously as states, operations, structural devices, acts, or modules.These operations, structural devices, acts, and modules may beimplemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic,and any combination thereof.

The method 500 begins at operation 502, where the wireless-enabledtension meter 102 broadcasts a wireless signal that is detectable by thewireless communication device 116. The wireless signal may be any signalincluded within the wireless network 118 or itself may be the wirelessnetwork 118. In some embodiments, the wireless signal may be infrared,IrDA, BLUETOOTH, wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZIGBEE, NFC, or other short-rangewireless signal. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the wirelesssignal may be a WI-FI signal that includes a broadcast of an SSIDassociated with the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. The wirelesssignal may also generally facilitate connection of the wireless-enabledtension meter 102 to the wireless network 118, wherein the wirelessnetwork 118 is a WLAN (e.g., implemented via WI-FI), WPAN, WWAN, or somecombination thereof.

From operation 502, the method 500 proceeds to operation 504, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 connects to the wirelesscommunication device 116 via the wireless network 118. It should beunderstood that in some embodiments, the wireless-enabled tension meter102 does not broadcast a wireless signal and the connection between thewireless communication device 116 and the wireless-enabled tension meter102 is initiated by the wireless communication device 116, and may betriggered by a proximity of the wireless communication device 116 to thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 or by some other stimulus.

From operation 504, the method 500 proceeds to operation 506, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 receives and processes one or morecommands from the wireless communication device 116. The commandsreceived from the wireless communication device 116 may include, but arenot limited to, commands to measure one or more metrics such as length,tension, and/or speed during a pull, commands regarding the selection ofreal-time or delayed measurement, commands regarding data logging,and/or other commands to instruct the wireless-enabled tension meter 102to perform a function. Some illustrative commands and a user interfacethrough which one or more users may provide the commands to thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 are described below with reference toFIG. 7.

From operation 506, the method 500 proceeds to operation 508, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 detects tension. For example, asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wireless-enabledtension meter 102 may include one or more sensors that calculate thespeed of movement of the guiding member 108 through the wireless-enabledtension meter 102, and these sensors may be utilized to detect tension,for example, when a pull is initiated with any directional movement(e.g., towards the puller system 114) of the guiding member 108 throughthe wireless-enabled tension meter 102.

From operation 508, the method 500 proceeds to operation 510, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 captures data associated with thepull (“pull data”) in accordance with the command(s) received atoperation 506. For example, the commands received at operation 506 mayinstruct the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 to measure the tension,length, and/or speed during the pull, and the wireless-enabled tensionmeter 102 measures the requested metrics during the capture operation510. As noted above, the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 may capturedata via one or more sensors and the data may be later used to calculatethe tension, the speed, and/or the length, for example, by the hardware300 or the processor 310 (shown in FIG. 3) by execution of one or moreof the applications 314 (also shown in FIG. 3). Alternatively, metricssuch as tension, speed, and/or length may be measured or calculateddirectly via one or more sensors of the wireless-enabled tension meter102.

From operation 510, the method 500 proceeds to operation 512, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 sends the captured pull data to thewireless communication device 116 over the wireless network 118 via thewireless network interface 120. In some embodiments, thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 sends the captured pull dataunformatted to the wireless communication device 116 so that thewireless communication device 116, and more particularly, the tensionmeter application 126 can format the captured pull data in various ways,including, for example, creating one or more graphs, charts, or othervisual or text representations of the data. The data can also beanalyzed to calculate values such as maximum tension, minimum tension,average tension, maximum speed, minimum speed, average speed, pulllength, pull midpoint, and the like. The wireless-enabled tension meter102, in some other embodiments, can format the data via execution of oneor more applications, such as the applications 314, and send theformatted data to the wireless communication device 116 or makeavailable the formatted data via a web application interface that isaccessible by the wireless communication device 116 via the web browser124.

From operation 512, the method 500 proceeds to operation 514, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 disconnects from the wirelesscommunication device 116. The operation 514 may be initiated by thewireless communication device 116 or the wireless-enabled tension meter102.

From operation 514, the method 500 proceeds to operation 516. The method500 ends at operation 516.

Turning now to FIG. 6, aspects of a method 600 of operation for thewireless communication device 116 to receive and process data associatedwith a pull will be described, according to an illustrative embodiment.The method 600 begins and proceeds to operation 602, where the wirelesscommunication device 116 connects to the wireless network 118. Fromoperation 602, the method 600 proceeds to operation 604, where thewireless communication device 116 presents a user interface. The userinterface may provide one or more user interface elements through whichone or more users can interact with the wireless-enabled tension meter102. For example, the user interface may allow one or more users toissue commands to the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 to instruct thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 to measure one or more metrics suchas length, tension, and/or speed during a pull, select real-time ordelayed measurement, to log pull data, and/or to instruct thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 to perform one or more otherfunctions. Several illustrative user interfaces are described below withreference to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B.

From operation 604, the method 600 proceeds to operation 606, where thewireless communication device 116 receives a selection of one or morecommands via the user interface. It should be understood that the one ormore commands may be selected sequentially or simultaneously using anyof the input interfaces described above for the wireless communicationdevice 116, including, for example, the sensor components 408 and/or theI/O components 410 described above with reference to FIG. 4. Fromoperation 606, the method 600 proceeds to operation 608, where thewireless communication device 116 sends the command(s) selected atoperation 606 to the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. The commands(s)may be sent by the wireless communication device 116 to thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 sequentially or simultaneously.

From operation 608, the method 600 proceeds to operation 610, where thewireless communication device 116 receives captured pull data from thewireless-enabled tension meter 102. From operation 610, the method 600proceeds to operation 612, where the wireless communication device 116optionally manipulates the captured pull data. The captured pull datacan be manipulated in various ways including, for example, to create oneor more text representations or visual representations such as graphs,charts, or the like. The captured pull data can be used to create areport, which may be emailed, converted into different formats (e.g.,portable document format and the like), and/or presented locally on thewireless communication device 116.

From operation 612, the method 600 proceeds to operation 614, where thewireless-enabled tension meter 102 disconnects from the wireless-enabledtension meter 102. The operation 614 may be initiated by the wirelesscommunication device 116 or the wireless-enabled tension meter 102.

From operation 614, the method 600 proceeds to operation 616. The method600 ends at operation 616.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a user interface diagram illustrating aspects ofa user interface 700 for a tension meter application such as the tensionmeter application 126 and/or a web application accessible via the webbrowser 124 will be described, according to an illustrative embodiment.The user interface 700 may be presented on a display of the wirelesscommunication device 116 and/or a display of the tension meter remotedevice 130. An example display of the tension meter remote device 130 isillustrated in FIG. 12A.

The illustrated user interface 700 includes signal collection commands702, navigation commands 704, data logging commands 706, visualrepresentation commands 708, setup commands 710, a status output element712, a pull data output element 714, and a pull data visualrepresentation 716. The user interface 700 may include additional, feweror alternative user interface elements than those illustrated in FIG. 7and now described.

The user interface 700 is shown on the wireless communication device 116embodied as a tablet device, such as, for example, an iPAD®, from AppleInc. of Cupertino, Calif. It should be understood that the userinterface 700 may be modified for compatibility with other form factors,including, but not limited to, desktop and laptop computers, mobiletelephones such as smart phones, and one or more displays on and/orassociated with the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. It also shouldbe understood that although the user interface 700 is shown in alandscape orientation, the user interface 700 may provide the same,additional, or alternative functions when placed in a portraitorientation. Movement of the wireless communication device 116 from alandscape orientation to a portrait orientation may be detected, atleast in part, by the accelerometer 434 and/or the gyroscope 436 of thewireless communication device 116 as described above with reference tothe illustrative architecture 400 shown in FIG. 4.

The signal selection commands 702 allow a user to select a signalbroadcast by the wireless-enabled tension meter 102. In someimplementations, multiple wireless-enabled tension meters may bedeployed at a job site, and so the signal selection commands 702 allow auser to select from among the available wireless-enabled tension meters.In an alternative embodiment, the signal selection commands 702 areprovided as part of the operating system 122 and facilitate theselection of an SSID associated with the wireless-enabled tension meter102 as described in greater detail above.

The navigation commands 704 allow a user to navigate the user interface700 to access settings, menus, and the various commands, including thesignal selection commands 702, the data logging commands 706, and thevisual representation commands 708, and to interact with the pull dataoutput 714 and the pull data visual representation output 716. Thenavigation commands 704 may be GUI elements that are selectable by auser to navigate the user interface 700. Alternatively, the navigationcommands 704 are built-in to the user interface 700 such that thenavigation commands 704 are not visible but understood through use, suchas is the case with many touch-enabled user interfaces.

The data logging commands 706 allow a user to log pull data, export pulldata, generate statistics from pull data, calculate values such asmaximum tension, minimum tension, average tension, maximum speed,minimum speed, average speed, pull distance, pull midpoint, and others,tag logs based on location using location information obtained, forexample, from the GPS sensor 438, and provide other functionality withregard to manipulating log files, including naming, renaming, and fileconversion. In addition to the data logging commands 706, exportcommands may be used to email logs and/or reports generated from logs,send logs and/or reports to one or more web servers, and/or send logsand/or reports to external storage, such as a cloud-based storagesolution or other storage (e.g., the removable storage 420 or externalstorage).

The logs and/or reports may converted to a number of formats including,but not limited to, one or more proprietary formats, comma-separatedvalues (“CSV”), structured query language (“SQL”), portable networkgraphics (“PNG”), graphics interchange format (“GIF”), jointphotographic experts group (“JPEG”), tagged image file format (“TIFF”),bitmap, portable document format (“PDF”), hypertext markup language(“HTML”), or any other format suitable for supporting text-based and/orgraphical data associated with captured pull data.

The visual representation commands 708 allow a user to generate variousvisual representations for captured pull data. The visualrepresentations may include, but are not limited to, a column chart,line chart, pie chart, bar chart, area chart, scatter plot, stock chart,surface chart, doughnut chart, bubble chart, radar chart, arepresentation of a conduit network through which a conductor is beingpulled, any variation thereof, any combination thereof, and the like.The visual representation commands 708 allow a user to specify X-axisand Y-axis data. For example, the Y-axis may include data correspondingto the tension measured by the wireless-enabled tension meter 112 duringa pull and the X-axis may include data corresponding to time of the pullor length of the pull. These examples are merely illustrative of somepossible data plots that can be created using the visual representationcommands 708, and as such, these examples should not be construed asbeing limiting in any way.

The setup commands 710 allow a user to input setup parameters. Setupparameters may include definitions of various characteristics of alinear element upon which a tension is to be exerted. Thecharacteristics may include hardness, width, length, tensile strength,shape, maximum pull speed, and/or the like. Other characteristics arecontemplated. The setup parameters may also include one or more conduitnetwork configurations. A conduit network configuration may include avisual representation, such as a map, of a conduit network. A conduitnetwork configuration may be presented, for example, in the pull datavisual representation output 716.

The status output 712 presents status information about thewireless-enabled tension meter 102, the wireless communication device116, the tension meter remote device 130, the feeder system 110, and/orthe puller system 114. The status information may include, but is notlimited to, battery level, wireless signal strength, connection types,and number of connections.

The pull data output 714 presents text-based output of captured pulldata. The pull data output 714 may include raw pull data retrieved fromthe wireless-enabled tension meter 102 and/or calculated pull data,which may be calculated by the wireless communication device 116 and/orthe wireless-enabled tension meter 102. In some implementations, thepull data output 714 presents tension, maximum tension, minimum tension,average tension, maximum speed, minimum speed, average speed, and/orpull distance in real-time during a pull. Other data may be displayed inthe pull data output 714.

The pull data visual representation output 716 presents one or morevisual representations such as described above. The visualrepresentations may be generated in real-time and correspond to thereal-time pull data presented in the pull data output 714.Alternatively, the pull data visual representation output 716 maypresent visual representations after a pull.

In some embodiments, the pull data output 714 and the pull data visualrepresentation output 716 are presented simultaneously. In some otherembodiments, the pull data output 714 and the pull data visualrepresentation output 716 are presented individually such as one inlandscape orientation and the other in portrait orientation. It iscontemplated that what is presented during which orientation can beuser-customizable via one or more settings.

Turning now to FIGS. 8A-8C, graphs of various parameters of a pull areshown. In particular, FIG. 8A shows a tension limit 800A, a distancepulled 802A, a sidewall pressure 804A of a linear element during a pull,a tension 806A, and an average speed 808A. FIG. 8B shows a tension limit800B, a distance pulled 802B, a sidewall pressure 804B of a linearelement during a pull, a tension 806B, and an average speed 808B. FIG.8C shows a tension limit 800C, a sidewall pressure 804C of a linearelement during a pull, a tension 806C, and an average speed 808C. Thesidewall pressures 804A-804C, in some embodiments, are calculated basedat least in part upon the values for the tensions 806A-806C and dataassociated with one or more bends (e.g., bend radius) in a conduitnetwork (e.g., the conduit network 112).

Graphs such as those shown in FIGS. 8A-8C may be provided during orafter a pull, and may be provided as part of report. Although units ofmeasurement and specific values are shown, these items may be displayedor not based upon user settings. It should be understood that the datashown in FIGS. 8A-8D is sample data, and as such, should not beconstrued as being limiting in any way.

Turning now to FIG. 8D, shows an example screenshot of the pull dataoutput 714. The illustrated example shows a tension level 810, anaverage speed, a distance a travelled since beginning the pull, adiameter, a user-selected tension limit, and a pull ID (e.g., assignedby a user or automatically by an application). The illustrated exampleas shows a “new pull” option, the selection of which may initiate a newpull. It should be understood that the data shown in FIG. 8D is sampledata, and as such, should not be construed as being limiting in any way.

Turning now to FIG. 9A, a front view of an illustrative wireless-enabledtension meter 900 will be described, according to an embodiment. In someembodiments, the wireless-enabled tension meter 102 is configured thesame as or as some variation of the wireless-enabled tension meter 900shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, although alternative configurations arecontemplated. The illustrated wireless-enabled tension meter 900includes a housing 902. The housing 902 may be formed from metal,plastic, rubber, carbon composite, other materials, and/or combinationsthereof. The housing 902 may include a handle receptacle 904, which isconfigured to secure a handle 906 to allow a user to transport thewireless-enabled tension meter 900. In the illustrated example, thehandle 906 is in an “up” position. The handle 906 may be placed into a“down” position during operation, maintenance, or other reasons. Thehandle receptacle 904, in some embodiments, is configured to acceptinsertion of the handle 906 as shown. The handle receptacle 904 isconfigured to alternatively accept the insertion of the handle 906 frombeneath the housing 902 as generally shown at 905 to allow thewireless-enabled tension meter 900 to achieve various mountingpositions.

The housing 902 also includes a first pulley housing 908A, a secondpulley housing 908B, and a third pulley housing 908C (referred togenerally or collectively as “pulley housings” 908). The first pulleyhousing 908A at least partially covers a first pulley 910A. The secondpulley housing 908B at least partially covers a second pulley 910B. Thethird pulley housing 908C at least partially covers a third pulley 910C.The first pulley 910A, the second pulley 910B, and the third pulley 910C(referred to generally or collectively as “pulleys” 910) route a guidingmember 912 through the wireless-enabled tension meter 900. The pulleys910 may be configured like the pulleys 202 described above withreference to FIG. 2. The guiding member 912 may be configured like theguiding member 108 described in FIG. 1.

The second pulley housing 908C includes an aperture (not shown) in whicha load pin 914 can be inserted. The load pin 914 functions as the axispin for the second pulley 910B and facilitates measurement of the radialforce and corresponding line tension exerted on the guiding member 912during a pull.

Turning now to FIG. 9B, a rear view of the illustrative wireless-enabledtension meter 900 introduced in FIG. 9A will be described. The rear viewshows the housing 902, the handle 906, the pulley housings 908, and theguiding member 912 from FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B also shows a back plate 914 towhich a mounting plate 916 is attached. The mounting plate 916 includesa mounting apparatus 918 to mount the wireless-enabled tension meter 900to the ground, an object, or a system (e.g., a puller system as shown inFIG. 10). A wireless network interface connector 920 is also shown. Thewireless network interface connector 920 allows a removable wirelessnetwork interface to be connected to the wireless-enabled tension meter900. It is contemplated that the wireless network interface connector920 may be retrofitted to the wireless-enabled tension meter 900 in someimplementations.

FIG. 9C shows the same elements as shown in FIG. 9B with the back plate914 removed. FIG. 9D shows the same elements as shown in FIG. 9B exceptfor the wireless network interface connector 920. In the example shownin FIG. 9D, the wireless-enabled tension meter 900 includes a built-inwireless network interface. FIG. 9E shows the same elements as shown inFIG. 9D with the back plate 914 removed.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a puller and tension meter system 1000 isillustrated. The puller and tension meter system 100 includes thewireless-enabled tension meter 900 mounted to a puller system 1002. Insome embodiments, the puller system 114 is configured the same as or assome variation of the puller system 1002. The wireless-enabled tensionmeter 900 can mount to the puller system 1002 via the mounting apparatus918 as shown or in other locations on the puller system 1002, such as ona first arm section 1004 or on a second arm section 1006. Additionaldetails in this regard are not provided herein, although those skilledin the art will appreciate various mounting configurations conducive tothe conditions of a particular deployment of the wireless-enabledtension meter 900 mounted to the puller system 1002. Accordingly, theillustrated example is provided merely for context and should not beconstrued as being limiting in any way.

Turning now to FIG. 11A, a front view of an illustrative alternativewireless-enabled tension meter 1100 will be described, according to anembodiment. In some embodiments, the wireless-enabled tension meter 102is configured the same as or as some variation of the alternativewireless-enabled tension meter 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, althoughalternative configurations are contemplated. The illustrated alternativewireless-enabled tension meter 1100 includes an alternative housing1102. The alternative housing 1102 may be formed from metal, plastic,rubber, carbon composite, other materials, and/or combinations thereof.

The alternative housing 1102 includes a component housing 1104. Thecomponent housing 1104 may house, for example, a control module such asthe control module 308 illustrated and described with reference to FIG.3. The component housing 1104 may additionally or alternatively housethe network interface 304 and/or the sensors 306 also illustrated anddescribed with reference to FIG. 3.

The alternative housing 1102 also includes an integrated handle 1106.The integrated handle 1106 enables a user to carry the alternativewireless-enabled tension meter 1100.

The alternative housing 1102 also includes a first aperture 1108A and asecond aperture 1108B (referred to generally or collectively as“apertures” 1108). The first aperture 1108A and the second aperture1108B may be used to secure the alternative wireless-enabled tensionmeter 1100 to an object or plurality of objects, the ground, and/or apuller system (e.g., the puller system 114) using rope, chain, cable,another linear element, fastener(s), clasp(s), bolt(s), screw(s), and/orthe like.

The alternative housing 1102 also includes a first pulley housing 1110Aand a second pulley housing 1110B (referred to generally or collectivelyas “pulley housings” 1110). The first pulley housing 1110A at leastpartially covers a first pulley 1112A. The component housing 1104 atleast partially covers a second pulley 1112B. The second pulley housing1110B at least partially covers a third pulley 1112C. The first pulley1112A, the second pulley 1112B, and the third pulley 1112C (referred togenerally or collectively as “pulleys” 1112) route a guiding member 1114through the alternative wireless-enabled tension meter 1100. The pulleys1112 may be configured like the pulleys 202 described above withreference to FIG. 2. The guiding member 1114 may be configured like theguiding member 108 described in FIG. 1.

Turning now to FIG. 11B, a bottom view of the illustrative alternativewireless-enabled tension meter 1100 introduced in FIG. 11A will bedescribed. FIG. 11B shows the alternative housing 1102, the componenthousing 1104, the apertures 1108, the pulley housings 1110, the pulleys1112 and the guiding member 1114 from a bottom perspective view.

Turning now to FIG. 11C, another front view of the illustrativealternative wireless-enabled tension meter 1100 introduced in FIG. 11Awill be described. FIG. 11C shows the alternative housing 1102, thecomponent housing 1104, the integrated handle 1106, the apertures 1108,the pulley housings 1110, the pulleys 1112 and the guiding member 1114from a front perspective view.

Turning now to FIG. 11D, a back view of the illustrative alternativewireless-enabled tension meter 1100 introduced in FIG. 11A will bedescribed. FIG. 11D shows the alternative housing 1102, the componenthousing 1104, the apertures 1108, the pulley housings 1110, the pulleys1112 and the guiding member 1114 from a rear perspective view.

Turning now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a wireless tension meter remote device1200 will be described, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments,the wireless tension meter remote device 130 is configured the same asor as some variation of the wireless tension meter remote device 1200shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, although alternative configurations arecontemplated. The illustrated wireless tension meter remote device 1200includes a remote housing 1202. The remote housing 1202 may be formedfrom metal, plastic, rubber, carbon composite, other materials, and/orcombinations thereof.

The wireless tension meter remote device 1200 also includes a display1204. The display 1204 may be an LCD utilizing any active or passivematrix technology and any backlighting technology (if used). In someembodiments, the display 1204 is an OLED display. Other display typesare contemplated. The display 1204 can present user interface elementssuch as described herein above with reference to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B.

The wireless tension meter remote device 1200 also includes a powerbutton 1206. The power button 1206 may be a push-button, capacitivebutton, toggle switch, or the like. The power button 1206 may include anindicator light, such as an LED, to indicate when the wireless tensionmeter remote device 1200 is powered on.

The wireless tension meter remote device 1200 also includes a keypad1208. The keypad 1208 allows a user to control the operation of thewireless tension meter remote device 1200. Although the keypad 1208 isshown as a directional pad, other configurations are contemplated andwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The wireless tensionmeter remote device 1200 may additionally or alternatively include atouchscreen separate from and/or built-in to the display 1204. Thetouchscreen may support single touch, multi-touch, and/or gestures.Voice control, motion control, and other natural user interface controlsare also contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the remote housing 1202 includes a batterycompartment 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery component1210 is configured to receive four batteries for powering the wirelesstension meter remote device 1200, although the battery component 1210may be configured to receive more or less batteries. Further, thebattery component 1210 may be built-in to the remote housing 1202 suchthat the batteries are not user-replaceable.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications andchanges may be made to the subject matter described herein withoutfollowing the example embodiments and applications illustrated anddescribed, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention, which is encompassed in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tension meter comprising: a pulley arrangementthrough which a guiding member is to be routed during a pull, wherein atension force is exerted on the guiding member as the guiding membertraverses the pulley arrangement during the pull; a sensor that measuresthe tension force exerted on the guiding member as the guiding membertraverses the pulley arrangement during the pull; and a wireless networkinterface over which to send data associated with the tension force to adevice.
 2. The tension meter of claim 1, wherein the guiding member isattached to a linear element.
 3. The tension meter of claim 2, whereinthe linear element comprises a conductor, and wherein the pull comprisespulling the guiding member and at least a portion of the conductorthrough a conduit.
 4. The tension meter of claim 1, wherein the sensorcomprises a load pin that functions as an axis for a pulley of thepulley arrangement, the load pin facilitates measurement of a radialforce exerted on the pulley by the guiding member as the guiding membertraverses the pulley arrangement during the pull, and the radial forceis utilized to calculate the tension force.
 5. The tension meter ofclaim 1, wherein the wireless network interface operates in accordancewith a short-range wireless technology.
 6. The tension meter of claim 5,wherein the short-range wireless technology comprises BLUETOOTH.
 7. Thetension meter of claim 1, wherein the wireless network interfaceoperates in accordance with a wireless local area network technology. 8.The tension meter of claim 1, wherein the wireless network interfacecomprises in accordance with a wireless wide area network technology. 9.The tension meter of claim 1, further comprising a control module thatperforms operations comprising: capturing the data associated with thetension force; and causing the wireless network interface to send thedata to the device.
 10. The tension meter of claim 1, wherein the devicecomprises a tablet, a smartphone, or a tension meter remote device. 11.The tension meter of claim 1, further comprising a display upon whichthe data associated with the tension force is to be displayed.
 12. Atension meter comprising: a pulley arrangement through which a guidingmember is to be routed during a pull, wherein a tension force is exertedon the guiding member as the guiding member traverses the pulleyarrangement during the pull; a sensor that measures the tension forceexerted on the guiding member as the guiding member traverses the pulleyarrangement during the pull; a wireless network interface over which tosend data associated with the tension force to a device; and a controlmodule comprising a processor and a memory component, wherein the memorycomponent stores instructions of an application that, when executed bythe processor, cause the control module to perform operations comprisingreceiving, from the sensor, the data associated with the tension force,and causing the wireless network interface to send the data to thedevice.
 13. The tension meter of claim 12, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: receiving, from the device via the wireless networkinterface, a command; and performing a function in response to thecommand.
 14. The tension meter of claim 13, wherein the commandinstructs the control module to measure a metric associated with thepull.
 15. The tension meter of claim 14, wherein the command instructsthe control module to measure the metric in real-time during the pull orwith a delay.
 16. The tension meter of claim 13, wherein the commandinstructs the control module to perform a data logging function.
 17. Acomputer-readable storage medium that stores instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor of a tension meter, cause the tension meter toperform operations comprising: receiving, from a sensor of the tensionmeter, data associated with a tension force exerted on a guiding memberas the guiding member traverses a pulley arrangement of the tensionmeter during a pull; causing a wireless network interface to send thedata to a device; receiving, from the device via the wireless networkinterface, a command; and performing a function in response to thecommand.
 18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, whereinthe command instructs a control module to measure a metric associatedwith the pull.
 19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18,wherein the command instructs the control module to measure the metricin real-time during the pull or with a delay.
 20. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 17, wherein the command instructs a controlmodule to perform a data logging function.